Ruger 22 Charger Pistol Review: Specs, Features, Pros, Cons & More

Quick Answer

The Ruger 22 Charger is a small .22 LR pistol made for backpack carry. It’s just 17 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds. It comes with a threaded barrel for suppressors, an AR-style grip, and a built-in bipod mount. Great for small game hunting or keeping critters away on the trail, it’s light on recoil and easy to customize. When suppressed, you might see the odd feeding hiccup.

Key Takeaways

• Short, pack-friendly design fits in most backpacks
• 8-inch threaded barrel works with standard suppressors
• Huge range of aftermarket parts available
• Very light recoil makes quick follow-up shots simple
• No sights included and so you’ll need to add an optic
• Base models start under $400

I can still picture my friend’s grin the first time he brought out his Ruger 22 Charger. “A backpack gun?” I asked, not fully convinced. A few hours later, after we’d been plinking steel targets in near silence, I understood. He had a suppressor on it, and every shot made a quiet plink. The weight was almost nothing. The noise was barely there. And the accuracy? Surprisingly good. That little gun made a big impression.

Why Consider the Ruger 22 Charger for the Trail?

A “backpack gun” is more than just a small firearm. It’s compact enough to live in your pack instead of on your hip, but still quick to get into action when needed.

The Ruger 22 Charger is a strong option for different outdoor uses. Hikers who want to scare off small predators, hunters looking to take rabbits or squirrels for dinner, or campers who need to deal with unwanted critters.

Unlike many survival rifles that need to be assembled before use, the Charger is ready instantly. The .22 LR cartridge keeps ammo light, recoil low, and noise minimal. All these features are great when you’re far from town.

The CDC has published research showing suppressed .22 LR firearms cut noise levels significantly. The Ruger Charger with the right suppressor falls into that category. 

Ruger 22 Charger Specs Overview

Feature	Specification
Caliber	.22 LR
Barrel Length	8" threaded (1/2×28) standard; some Takedown models feature 10" barrels
Overall Length	17"
Weight	3.13–3.5 lbs (depending on stock)
Magazine	Ships with one BX-15; also accepts BX-25
Action	Semi-automatic blowback
MSRP	$309–$419 (depending on model)

The 8-inch barrel balances size and accuracy. Its 1/2×28 threading means most .22 suppressors fit without adapters. At 17 inches overall, it’s closer to a mini-rifle without a stock than a traditional pistol.

The standard BX-15 magazine holds 15 rounds and sits nicely when shooting prone. You can also use the larger BX-25 magazine for more capacity. At 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry compared to full-size rifles.

Build Quality & Design Features

The Ruger 22 Charger is built on the proven 10/22 action, which has been refined over decades.

The cold hammer-forged barrel offers great accuracy and a long lifespan. The finish on the metal parts holds up well to normal scratches and weather, though a few owners have noticed uneven coating in hidden spots. Depending on the model, the stock can be polymer or laminate wood. Both can handle bumps from trail use just fine.

One useful feature is the built-in bipod mount. The Ruger 22 Charger actually comes with a Ruger-supplied bipod included, not just the mount.  It’s handy for shooting from a seated position or when plinking at targets, but it can get in the way if you’re moving fast or pulling the gun from a pack.

The top Picatinny rail gives you plenty of room to mount an optic. There are no iron sights at all – an optic isn’t just nice to have, it’s required.

Optics and Accessories

With no sights included, the first upgrade should be an optic. A red dot, like the Primary Arms SLX MD-25, keeps it quick to aim. Lightweight scopes with good eye relief work too.

Many Charger owners borrow upgrade ideas from the 10/22 world — from better triggers and stocks to barrel and bedding mods. See our 10/22 upgrades guide for specific parts and install tips.

Factory upgrades worth looking at:

• BX-Trigger – lighter pull for better precision
• Extended magazine release – helps with mag swaps, even with gloves
• Folding brace adapters – more stability for accurate shots

Plenty of third-party companies like Tandemkross also make parts for it – barrels, charging handles, and more. Just remember: every add-on can make it heavier or harder to pull from your pack.

Customization Potential

The 10/22 platform is one of the most customizable rimfires on the market, and the Charger benefits from that. According to Ruger, it comes with an AR-style pistol grip you can swap out for any you prefer.

Popular upgrades include:

• Triggers – competition or tactical
• Stocks or chassis – wood, laminate, or polymer
• Barrels – fluted, bull, or carbon fiber
• Bolt assemblies – including match-grade parts

The rear Picatinny section lets you attach folding braces in areas where that’s allowed, adding stability without much bulk.

Takedown versions split into two pieces, which makes them even easier to pack. This is important especially when space is tight.

Handling and Ergonomics

It doesn’t handle exactly like a handgun or a rifle. Without a stock, you’ll probably end up using the bipod or resting the forearm on a surface.

The grip is comfortable, and the forward weight helps steady your aim. Recoil is nearly nonexistent. Pulling it from a backpack takes practice because of its shape, so a dedicated compartment is best.

Controls are well-placed, and mag changes feel natural after a little use. The stock mag release can be stiff, which is why some owners switch to an extended version.

Range Performance

For its size, accuracy is impressive. With good ammo and a stable rest, groups of 1-2 inches at 50 yards are common.

The action cycles quickly, making fast follow-up shots easy. The .22 LR’s mild recoil means the sight picture stays on target.

With a suppressor, it’s extremely quiet. Standard velocity ammo stays subsonic in the 8-inch barrel, avoiding the crack from breaking the sound barrier.

BX-25 magazines work well for long shooting sessions but add bulk. Many prefer the smaller mags for backpack carry.

How fast you get on target will depend on your optic, but most find a red dot setup quick to use after a bit of practice.

One of the biggest performance gains comes from choosing the right .22 LR ammunition — match, hypervelocity, or hunting loads will change accuracy, recoil impulse, and cycling. For tested recommendations across accuracy, hunting, and plinking, see our Best .22 LR Rimfire Ammo: Top Picks.

Reliability and Maintenance

Performance depends on ammo choice. Quality, standard-velocity rounds usually run best. Cheaper bulk ammo can cause the occasional feeding problem.

Using a suppressor means more fouling builds up, so cleaning needs to happen more often.

Key maintenance tips:

• Keep bolt and guide rod clean with a light coat of oil
• Clean chamber and feed ramp well
• Check magazine lips for wear or bending
• Use thread locker on mounting screws

That last one matters – recoil vibration can work screws loose over time, and losing a part mid-hike is no fun.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very compact for a semi-auto .22 LR
• Accurate cold hammer-forged barrel
• Threaded muzzle works with most suppressors
• Huge aftermarket support
• Built-in bipod mount
• Minimal recoil
• Works with higher capacity mags
• Takedown models are easy to pack small

Cons:

• No sights – optic required
• Feeding issues possible with budget ammo
• Suppressor adds fouling and cleaning needs
• Awkward to draw fast from a pack
• Finish can be uneven in spots
• Folding brace adds bulk when stowed
• Large accessories can snag when pulling from pack

Ideal Use Cases for the Ruger 22 Charger

Small Game Hunting– Accurate and quiet enough to take small animals without spooking others nearby.

Remote Camping Protection– Perfect for keeping small predators or pests away from camp.

Recreational Plinking– Fun, quiet, and low recoil make it great for casual shooting.

Training Platform– Cheap ammo helps build skills without bad habits like flinching.

Backpacking Companion– Light to carry yet capable in the right situations.

Value and Price Analysis

Base models list at $399, with takedowns around $529. In stores, you’ll often find them for less.

It’s priced well compared to other lightweight trail guns like the Kel-Tec SU-16 or folding survival rifles, which usually cost more.

Accessories can add up fast – a good optic, suppressor, and trigger upgrade can push the total over $1,000. But you can add them over time.

For those on a tighter budget, a base Charger with a basic red dot comes in under $500 and still delivers most of its benefits.

The first Charger came out in 2007, was discontinued, then came back in 2014 with threaded barrels and better furniture. 

Final Verdict — Is It the Best Backpack Gun?

If your goal is a light, accurate .22 for small game or trail pests, it’s a top pick. Its size, accuracy, and easy customization make it hard to beat in that role.

If you’re heading into bear country or facing serious threats, the .22 LR’s limits mean you should carry something with more punch.

Scores:

• Portability: 4.5/5
• Accuracy: 4/5
• Reliability: 3.5/5
• Customization: 5/5
• Value: 4/5
• Overall: 4/5

For most outdoor users, it’s a smart balance of size, performance, and price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Ruger 22 Charger have iron sights?

No. It comes with a Picatinny rail but no sights. You’ll need to add an optic like a red dot or scope.

Can I add a brace to the Ruger 22 Charger?

Yes, pistol braces can be attached to the rear Picatinny rail of the Ruger 22 Charger. Always check current laws before adding one.

What’s the best optic for a Ruger 22 Charger?

A compact red dot is the top choice for a Ruger 22 Charger. Brands like Primary Arms, Vortex, and Holosun make solid options.

How accurate is the Ruger 22 Charger at 50 yards?

With quality ammo and a stable rest, you can get 1-2 inch groups at 50 yards with a Ruger 22 Charger.

Is the Ruger 22 Charger reliable with all .22 LR ammo?

It works best with quality standard-velocity ammo. Cheaper bulk ammo may cause the occasional feeding issue in the Ruger 22 Charger.

Will the Ruger 22 Charger fit in a regular backpack?

Yes. At 17 inches long, the Ruger 22 Charger fits in most daypacks. The takedown model is even smaller when broken down.

About the Author

Written by the ProArmory writing team using current research, Ruger technical specs, and trusted sources like the National Shooting Sports Foundation, SAAMI, FBI resources, and official manuals.

Disclaimer: This content is for education only. Follow all firearm laws where you live. Check with legal experts if you have questions. ProArmory takes no responsibility for how this information is used.